The weekly Floridian. [volume] (Tallahassee, Fla.) 1867-19??, 1887-04-07

k0e Vu9S108es
p Governor Perry's message to the. Legislature
Il document which RED ct. the Character OF
his administration. Il is . strictly business
document, practical in its Suggestions tot the
benefit Of the people, and clear In its reasons
therefor. I,s review Of public affairs Is con.
densed with that wise economy Of language that
puts the facts forcibly and plainly ineligible to
all, while avoiding the encumbrance oil needless
multiplicity of words. The material progress OF
ofthe State during two years Is referred 10 a.
cause for congratulation, and 1t is shown to be
by an increase Of 81 per cent. in the returns OF
taxable property, amounting TO $l6,56S.754O
making the total valuation $788 10000
The reports Of the Comptroller and Treasurer
are referred to as showing the healthy financial
condition of the State The frequent under val
uaton of property in assessment, tor taxation is
reproved, for it throws an incurred burden OF
taxation on those whose property 10 justly val
ued. and with "a Just valuation Of all taxable
property the tax rate might safely DO reduced,
notwithstanding the increased expense that will
devolye upon the State under the new Constitu-
ton"
The report of the Adjutant-G General is referred
to as showing that the State prisoners are well
cared for and humanely treated, and that none
of the abuses exist which have attached odium
to the leasing system in some other
States. Gratifying progress in the
public school system is noted, and the Gov
cause of education and public schools in our
State has kept pace with, if 1t has not outrun
our material progress l commend to you, with
no little pride and pleasure in the advancement
il exhibits. the report of the State SUPERB nten-
dent of Public Instruction from it one can see
that in the matter Of public schools Florida is
fast taking rank with some Of the foremost
States" In two years the number of schools
has increased 415, and the number of pupils
1886. The Governor strongly favors the in.
PRODUCTION into the public school system OF some
degree of manual training and industri teach.
ing. AS TO Teachers Institutes he says
Through the zeal of the State Superintendent,
and the officials in the various counties, increased
pride and interest in their high calling has been
engendered in the teachers and it is believed
great good accomplished by the Institutes held
throughout the State" The cause of public
/ The subject treated most at length in the mes
sage, and, it seems 10 u.s. with the utmost wis
dom, is Railroads." and the keynote of the
Governors views as to legislation is expressed
in his own words Protect the corporation in
every right, and exact from it every legal duty
to the State and people" and he argues that the
interests of the railroads and of the people are to
greater extent identical than is generally i'm
agined, deprecates antagonism and counsels
thorough mutually. Indeed the Governors
railroad talk deserves to be framed" as
model Of terse and powerful reasoning.
Attention is directed to the generosity of DR..
Kost in rendering gratuituous service in making
preliminary geological survey of the State, to
which the railroad and transportation lines rem
dered liberal assistance as in all other cases
in which their aid has been solicited in enter
prises having tor their purpose the good of the
State and the benefit of the people" A State
weather service is recommended in furtherance
of agricultural and marine Interests. Also legis-
laton as to "The Burning Of Woods -" such
legislation as will prevent the wholesale destruc-
ton by burning of the food which nature pro-
vdes for the hungry soil" Under the heading,
The Preservation of Timber" the Governor
says every legitimate effort should be used to
prevent wasteful destruction of our forests and
encourage the growth of trees for use and for
ornament, well as for their effect upon climate
and health. We presume bis mind was dwell
ling on this subject when he instituted the
"Arbor Day." an observance which will keep
green the memory of his administration longer
than any tree yet planted shall live in common
Grafton oft, though it be forest giant whose
age is measured by the centuries.